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Title
Is the Method Concept Obsolete?
Redefining Method as a Teacher-Friendly Concept
Speaker
Dr. Roger Nunn
Abstract
The method concept has often been declared obsolete over the last 15 years. I will attempt to challenge this view by placing the teacher at the centre of a new definition of ‘method’. My notion of 'method-in-use' is defined as the actual method being enacted in a particular social context through classroom interaction. Emphasizing a description of the roles adopted within the interaction between teachers and students (how languages are being taught) leads to a consideration of potential roles for particular teaching situations that could enhance second language acquisition.
I will confront this description of method within a social context with our current state of SLA knowledge derived from the 10 principles outlined by Rod Ellis at the 2005 conference. What is being done in the classroom to teach language through language is then at the centre of a renewal process aimed at improving acquisition. I will support my presentation with data from research in 3 different Asian contexts and indicate how the model I propose can be applied to research, classroom observation and teacher education .
contact asian_efl_journal@yahoo.com
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